Cowboys mark one year without Kneeland

Dallas Cowboys players gathered on Thursday to mark the first anniversary of Marshawn Kneeland's death. The date falls on Nov. 6, one year after the linebacker was found dead in Frisco, Texas.

The team is emphasizing Huddle 94, a player-led initiative named after Kneeland's jersey number. The program supplements existing mental health resources with small group discussions. Quarterback Dak Prescott stated that the sessions create space for conversations about stress and life pressures. He suggested the resource might have been available to Kneeland had he still been with the team.

Kneeland died following a police chase, a car crash, and a search that lasted nearly three hours. Officers reported receiving information that he had expressed suicidal thoughts during the search. His final appearance in a Cowboys uniform came in a 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He scored a touchdown on a blocked punt return in that game.

Prescott recalled a videoconference call held shortly after the news broke. Defensive lineman Solomon Thomas addressed the group during that meeting. Both men have lost siblings to suicide. Prescott's brother Jace died in 2020. Thomas founded The Defensive Line foundation in 2018 after his sister Ella died. The organization focuses on preventing youth suicide and raising mental health awareness.

Team mental health clinician Dr. Heather Twedell arranged for counselors to speak with players following the tragedy. The Cowboys also held a vigil at The Star in Frisco. Throughout the remainder of the season, players wore No. 94 flags and placed Kneeland's jersey near the bench. The team and the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation contributed funds to support Kneeland's unborn child. The foundation also purchased equipment for Godwin Heights High School in Wyoming, Michigan.

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb noted that public figures often struggle to show their human side. He described Kneeland as the first teammate he lost. Lamb said hard work and competition serve as ways to honor his memory. Prescott said he includes Kneeland in his pregame prayers. He views the loss as a reminder to value the time spent with loved ones.